All About the Access Card

A quick reference guide for the access card application form.

What is the Access Card?

The Access Card is a photo ID card used to communicate your access requirements to over 3000 events and venues across the UK, so that they can provide accessibility to and account for the needs of their visitors.

The card also works online with other platforms like ticketing systems, to unlock the access facilities that you need.

Access Card App

The access card app includes a personalised directory of venues, with accessibility information that can help you plan your trips.

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From the Access Card website. Photo ID Access Card displaying someones photo, name, id number, expiry date, and symbols.

What does it cost?

It costs £15 for an access card that is valid for 3 years.

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You will need:

Proof of your child's disability

or ALN

You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply for an Access Card, but you do need to provide evidence of your child's needs.

You can use any of the following in your application:

DLNA award letter
A letter from a:
- GP
- Consultant
- Psychologist
- SEN/ALN professional
School evidence such as:
- Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- Educational psychologist report
Other reports, such as:
- Occupational therapy report
- Care plans

Whatever you use, it must:

Be recent
Show the child's name.
Explain how their condition affects them.

Photo ID

If your child does have an ID, use their photo ID. This may be a passport or other form of photographic ID.

If your child does not have an ID, you can use your ID as their parent or carer.

Accepted forms of ID:

Passport
Driving license
Two documents, such as:
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Birth certificate

A Photo

You will need to provide a passport-style photo of your child, which will be uploaded during the application.

Your Child's Needs

Describing your child's needs for your Access Card application

You will be asked to provide a description of your child's needs during the application process. You will be asked to explain:

What your child struggles with.
What kind of help they need. For example: supervision, help avoiding crowds, extra time, etc.

It is very important that you describe the specific type of help that your child needs. This card is based on their needs - not just their diagnosis.

Important Tips for Your Application

You should include as much evidence as possible - don't rely on a single document for proof of their disability. Provide multiple if you can.

Explain your child's real-life difficulties beyond their diagnosis. Mention things like:

"Needs supervision"
"Struggles in crowds"
"Needs extra support with ..."
"Needs extra time"

The stronger your description, the more accurate the symbols on the card will be to your child's needs.